Meter mounting



Feb. 2o, 1945. E G. JOHANSSON 2,370,043

METER MOUNTING l ji /0/ Jn ll\\ 87 .97 l 5/ my ///{//7 :.23

/39 II I wlTNEssEs: INVENTOR.

Feb, 20, 1945. E. G. JoHANssoN 2,370,043

METER MOUNTING v Filed April 9, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 50 efoho/msan,

` ATT NEY wlTNEssEs:

Patented Feb. 20, 1945 'to Anchor Manufacturing Company, Boston, Mass., a corporation of Massai'ihusctts Application April A9, 1942, ,Serial No.4'38,283

17 Claims.

This invention relates to mounting structures y for electrical devices, land it has particular .relation to .receptacles for receiving electrical watthour-.meters of the bottom-connected type.

As :generally vencountered in practice, a bottom connected watthour meter has `a vrow "of female terminals through `which the watthour meter is connected to suitable Aline and load conductors. Each of the female terminals vis designed to r'eceive a wmale :contact element associated lwith one of -the line or `=load conductors. Clamping means, generally in the :form v'of a terminal :screw, is

provided for clamping each contact element Ato its associated female terminal.

When the lbottom connected watthour' meter is removed from service for any reason, such as for testing or for repairs, lthe terminal screws are actuated `to release the contact elements, and the watthour meter -is removed from the contact elements. Such removal results in an interruption in service :to the electrical load energized through the watthour meter, and interruption in service .often is objectionable.

lIn accordance with the invention, a mounting structure for a bottom connected watthour meter is provided with a circuit eiective for connecting the line and load conductors prior to removal of the watthour meter -from service. This circuit includes yswitch vdevices which are open when the watthour Ymeter is in condition to establish a 'connection between the line and load conductors. The switch devices must be operated to closed 'condition prior to removal of the watthour meter from service. Such closure may be automatic or may be effected by associating the switch devices with the terminal screws o'f the'watthour meter. This association is such that operation ofthe terminal screws vto release the associated contact elements results in closure of the switch devices. Consequently, continuity of service to the load is assured under al1 conditions.

'The invention 'further contemplates the segregation 'of the line and load conductors associated with a bottom Jconnected watthour meter. As a, result of such segregation, service equipment, such as fuses or switches, may be 'associated with the load conductors in proximity tothe watthour meter. 'Such service equipment maybe rendered accessible to the consumer without providing the consumer with accessto the line conductors,

It is, therefore, an yobject of the invention to l provide an improved mounting structure for an electricaldevice.

It is a '-Iurth'er -obect ofthe invention to provide a mounting 'structure vfor Ta bottom-connected watthour meter having line and'load vconductors associated therewith, wherein a circuit is `provided for connecting 'the line and load conductors prior 'to'removal of t-he watthour meter from service. t

It is another object 'of the invention to provide a mounting structure for .a bottom-connected watthour meter, wherein -line and load conductors associated with the watthour meter are segregated.

It is a still further object of the 'invention .to provide a 4receptacle iorreceiving `a .bottom-connected watt-hour .meter having ya yrlrst compartment for receiving `the line conducto-rs connected to the watthour meter, and-having-a second com,

partment for the load conductors and .service equipment associated with the watthour meter through lwhich access cannot be obtained to the line conductors.

lOther objects of the invention will be apparent from the .following description 'taken in con-v junction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation, with parts broken away, of a watthour meter assembly embcdying the invention;

Fig. 2 isa View in side elevation, with parts broken away, of the assemblyillustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view, with parts in perspective, illustrating electrical connections lsuitable for the assembly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a View in front elevation, with parts broken away, of a modiiied watthour meter assembly embodying the invention;

Fig. 5 is a View in side elevation, with parts broken away, of the assembly illustrated in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a View in vertical cross-section, with parts broken away of a, modied meter assembly.

Referring to lthe drawings, Fig. 1 shows la bottom connected watthour meter '-l having a cupshaped cover f2 'housing a watthour 'meter movement and having a terminal chamber 3 associated therewith. To facilitate the mounting of the watthour meter l a strap '5 having a'keyhole slot the watthour meter moved by a rotary movement in a counterclock- Wise direction, as viewedl in Fig. l, To prevent unauthorized removal of the cover, the cover may be provided With a lug II which normally is restrained from mo-vement by a stop I3 carried. by a strap I5 which is bent in accordance with the contour of the terminal chamber 3. The strap I5 is provided with a slo-t I'I through which a pair of rivets I9 pass to permit a reciprocating movement of the strap I5 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, for a distance suflicient to clear the lug II and permit removal of the cover 2. The terminal chamber 3 may be covered by a small cover (not shown) having a slot for receiving a lug 2| carried by the strap I5. This lug has an opening 23 through which a sealing wire may be passed for preventing unauthorized removal of the cover or operation of the strap l5.

The terminal chamber 3 also contains an insulating block 25 which carries a pair of line termi- N nals 21 and 29 and a pair of ,load terminals 3| and 33. In the conventional bottom connected watthour meter, the terminals 27, 29, 3| and 33 are female terminals designed to receive male contact elements. Clamping means generally in the form of a terminal screw is provided for each of the terminals to facilitate the clamping of an associated contact element therein. The structure of the watthour meter I thus far specifically described is well known in the art, a typical example being illustrated in the Hagist Patent No. 2,094,356. Further examples of similar watthour meters are illustrated in the Bradshaw Patent No. 1,686,727 and the Ratz Patent No. 1,584,649.

For receivingr the watthour meter I, a mounting structure er receptacle 3'I is provided which includes a base structure 39 and a cover structure 4I. Conveniently, these structures may be formed of sheet metal, such as sheet steel.

The base structure 39 includes a rear wall 43, side walls and 41, a top wall I9 and a bottom wall 5|. These walls cooperate to form an open front rectangular box. If desired, the rear wall d3 may be provided with screws project for attaching the base structure 39 te a building wall or other structural element.

By inspection. of the drawings. it will be observed that the base structure 39 contains a barrier or partition wall 51 which divides the .base structure into a line compartment 59 and a load compartment 6I. The partition wall 51 may be attached to the base I:structure 39 in any suitable manner, as by rivets 63.

If desired, the cover structure 4| may take the form of a single cover member for the entire base structure. In the specic embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, however, the cover structure 4| includes a cover member which extends substantially over the line compartment 59, The cover member S5'includes a front Wall 61, side flanges |59 and 'II and an intermediate iiange 13. These flanges are designed to embrace closely the adjacent walls of the base structure 39.

The cover member 65 may be attached to the base structure 39 in any suitable manner. For the purpose of illustration, the partition wall 51 is provided with two brackets 'I5 having threaded openings. Machine screws "I1 pass thro-ugh the cover member 65 into threaded engagement with the brackets 15 to retain the cover member in position.

The cover structure 4I also includes a cover bosses 53 through which member i9 for the load compartment 6I. This cover member includes a front wall 3|, side flanges 83 and 35 and a bottom flange 81 designed to engage the associated walls of the base structure 39.

The cover member 'I9 may be attached to the base structure 39 in any suitable manner. For example, the cover member may have an offset tongue 99 designed to slip beneath the adjacent edge of the cover member 65 into engagement with the rear surface of the wall 6I. In applying the cover member 'i9 to the base structure, the tongue t9 may be slipped beneath the adjacent edge of the cover member 65, and the cover member 'I9 then may be pivoted about this adjacent edge into the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The cover member i9 also carries a latch 9| which is'pivoted to the wall 8| of the cover member by means of a rivet 93. The latch 9| has a iiange 95 positioned to t beneath the lip 91 of a locking member 99 secured to the base structure 39.

The cover member 'I9 is provided with an opening IUI for permitting the passage of the locking member 99 therethrough. Ir desired, the flange 95 and the locking member 99 may be provided with aligned openings for receiving a padlock or other securing means. Consequently, after the .cover member 'I9 has been pivoted into the posi- ISU tion shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the latch 9| may be rotated into the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 to retain the cover member in mounted position.

For mounting the watthour meter the upper cover member 65 is provided with an extension |03 which carries a headed pin |05. The head of the pin is designed to pass through the large opening of the keyhole slot 1, whereas the body of the pin is designed for reception in the smaller portion of the keyhole slot 1. Consequently, when the watthour meter I is slipped over the headed pin |95 and dropped slightly, the pin |95 retains the watthour meter I in mounted position. If further attachment of the watthour meter I is desired, the machine screws 9 may be introduced into 'threaded openings provided in the wall 6'! of the cover member.

Load conductors |99 and II I and line conductors |I3 and IIE are positioned, respectively, in the load compartment 9| and the line compartment 59. These conductors may be introduced through knockouts in any of the walls of the base structure 39. For the purpose of illustration, the load conductors |39 and III are introduced through a conduit III attached to the bottom wall of the lbase structure 39, whereas the line conductors are introduced through a conduit I I9 attached to the side wall 47 of the base structure.

To establish connections between the line and load conductors and the watthour meter, connector elements IiI, |23, |25 and |26 extend from the compartments of the base structure through the coverstructurel 4i. The connector elements IZI and |23 extend from the line compartment 59 through the cover structure, whereas the connector elements |25 and |29 extend from the load compartment 6| through the cover structure. The outer ends of the connector elements constitute male contact elements I2|a, |2311, I25a and |2611 designed for reception in the associatedl line and load terminals 21, 29, 3| and 33 of thewatthour meter I. These connector elements may be secured to the base structure 39 in any suitable manner. As illustrated, the connector elements `are positioned im blocks or insulation 'material which are Iattached to the patiti-tion wal-ll 5l Conveniently, .the connector elements |23 :and |26 'may b'e embedded 'by a molding operation, togeth'er with the partition wall '51, 1n a :single block |29 of a Km'oldable insulating material, such Las phenolic resin. By inspection of Fig. 2, it will be observed that the wall 6l of the 'upper cover member is provided with a windowvor opening It! su'illciently large to permit passage oi the cover member over the contact elements without dis-- turbing 'the contact elements in any manner. The line Vconductors ||3 v'and |15 maybe attached to the connector elements f|'2| and 5|-2'3 in any suitable manner, as by machine screws T33, which Yare in threaded engagement with the rconnector elements. Similarly, the load conductors may `be connected to the connector elements |325 and V|2i3 by machine screws |35.

As clearly 'shown in Fig. l2, the lload compartment -6| is completely segregated from the line compartment 59. For this reason, access may bev United states Patents Nos. 2,204,409andalaaezo. i

Such circuit breakers are connected between the load conductors |0f9 `and Yand the connector elements |25 and, |28 for controlling the supply of current 'from the watt-hour meter to a load.

If it is desired to provide 4for 'future expansion of the `number of circuit breakers employed in `the load compartment 61, blankingcovers 43 may be employed to cover the unoccupied'v portions of the window 4 These blanking covers each may have a tongue |45 underlying the wall 8| of the lower cover member and Aa .pivotal latch |41 also underlying the Wal1'81. -When it is desired to add additional circuit breakers to Ithose present in the load compartment, `the blanking covers |43 may be removed 'and additional circuit breakers installed as desired. Since the consumer may have access to the load compartment, such change may be eilec'ted by the consumer himself.

In order to cover the exposed portions oi the connector elements, an auxiliary cover |49 coacts with the watthour meter and the receptacle 4| to complete an enclosure for the exposed p'ortions of the vconnector elements. The 'auxiliary cover '|49 includes a front wall 4|'5| ,'a bottom wall 53, side walls |55 and |51 anda top wall '159. The top wall |58 is provided with an opening of sumcient `size to 'receive the ivatthour meter l. If desired, the top wall |59 may be provided with a peripheral 'groove |60 for 'the reception of a panel. `As hereinafter pointed out, such a panel may be employed, when a watthour meter is removed, to complete an enclosure for the connector and contact elements.

Securing of the auxiliary cover M9 to the cover structure `|^4| may vbe effected in any desired manner. For example, a 4strap lt?! may be se cured to the upper cover v.member '|55 in any `suitable manner as by welding. AThis `strap 4has a portion extending through an opening |63 pro vided 2in the Ifrcmt `wall 151 of the auxiliary cover.. With such a `construetion,'a :sealing Awire may be passed th'rough'an opening |65 provided in the strap '.I Gl to prevent unauthorized removal of the auxiliary cover |49. `It should be robserved that this sealing provision -isa'vailable regardless ofthe presence or absence fof the -watthour meter 'Since the auxiliary cover |49 generally will'ibe retained in permanentassociati'on with lthe 4receptacle 4|-, it is preferable to :attach the auxiliary cover thereto Aas by means of a :hinge |61, through which the auxiliary fcover is hinged on the upper cover member '65.

As previously explained, it is desirable that rei' moval `of `the watthour meter 1 from the receptacle 4| .should not interrupt the flow "of current from ,the :line conductors ||Y3 and =||5 to 'the load conductors |7519 and I. iliary circuit 'is provided .for connecting the line conductors to the load conductors. This circuit includes switch means which is operated -to closed condi-tion Ain 'response to removal of` the watthour meter l from the receptacle. The yconstruction of the auxiliary circuit may-be understo'od more clearly -by reference -to Fig. 8.

y inF-ig. 3, `the watthour meter :cover 2 is represented in dotted lines. The voltage Winding |69 and the current windings IH of the -watthour meter `are sho-wn in 'position within -the cover 2, although the arrangement of the windings Vmay vary i-n :accordance with standard practice. For the punpose -o-f illustration, the watthour meter is assumed -to lbe =of ythe two-Wire type.V When the -Wa-tthour meter 'is in mounted condition, Aa circuit is established :from the line conductors to the loadconductors whichfmay be `tracedtrom one line conductor -||3 through the Yconnector element 112|., the contact element A2441, the dierminal 21, a conductor |13, na conductor |15, the` terminal 33, vthe contact element |26a, the connector element |26, `one of the circuit breakers |37! and the load -conductor |l|`| to .the load. The remainder of the circuit may `be traced lfrom the load through the load conductor |09, another -of the circuit breakersll, .the `connector element |25, the contact element |2511, the termina-13|, the current windings of the Watt-hour meter, a conductor |711, the terminal 29, the contactelement |23a and the connector element |23 to the :remaining line Aconductor l5. It will `be observed that -the voltage winding 5.8 is, rin eiect, connected across the terminals .21and V29. -Consequently., with these connections, energy will be supplied from the line conductors to the load,

and this energy will be .measured by the watthour meter.

In order `to establish `an auxiliary circuit be tween the line conductors and Vthe load coni ductors when -the watthou-r.meter.is removed `from the receptacle 4|, a pair `of conductors |19 and 58| are connected, respectively, to the connector elements |25 and |26. These .conductors terminate, respectively,y in contacts `|83 land .|85

` whichA are positioned adjacent the contact ,ele-

|83 are carried Vby arms |9| and .|92 ywhich are resilient-ly biased towards. the contacts |83 and |85 for-urging the associated pairs of contacts into engaged condition. Consequently, .theiarm For this reason, an auxi ISI 4and the contact element |2311 may be formed of a single strip of resilient conductive material, such as hard copper. As clearly illustrated in Fig. 3, the strip is bent into a substantially U- shape or hairpin configuration. The fold between the arm ISI and the contact element |23a is proportioned for reception in the associated female terminal 29. The arm |92 and the contact element I 2 la may be.smilarly proportioned.

When the watthour meter I is removed from its mounted position, a circuit is established between the line conductors ||3 and l I5 and the load conductors |09 and I I I which may loe traced from the line conductor |I3 through the connector element |2|, the contact element I2Ia, the arm |92, the contacts |89 and |85, the conductor IBI, and one of the circuit breakers |31 to the load conductor III. The remainder of the circuit may be traced from the line conductor H through the connector element' |23, the contact element |23a, the arm ISI, the contacts |81 and |83, the conductor |19 'and another of the circuit breakers4 |31 to the conductor lllS. Consequently. current may be supplied to the load despite the absence of the watthour meter l. When the watthour meter I is placed in mounted position. it is necessary that the current supplied to the load be directed through the watthour meter windings. This may be effected Iby separating the pairs of contacts |85, |89 and |83. 181. Such separation may be ei- Fected readily b'y operation of the terminal screws 25. It will he observed that the arms and |92 are positioned in the paths of `the associated terminal screws 35. Conseouently. as the terminal screws are actuated to clamp the contact elements lilla and 123:1 in the terminals 21 and 29. the terminal screws engage the associated arms i9! and |92 and move the arms against their bias to separate the associated pairs oi contacts. This: interrupts the flow of current through the conductors |19 anld IBI! and directs uw current. throimh the windings of the watihour meter.

Since the terminal screws ten-d tn secure the fatti-mur meter in mounted condition. they iii-1*- if* released prim' to withdrawal of om. we.- heur .meter from its receptacle. The release oi the terminal screws in turn frees the arms i9! and |92. Under the iniiuence of their bias, these arms return into contact-making position. For this reaeon, removal of the Watthour meter i automatically establishes an auxiliarv circuit through the conductors |19 and I 8| and assures continuity of service to the lo-ad.

Tn. order to prevent excessive deiiection of the fir-ms IM and |32. a .block or stop |95 may be positioned between each of the arms HH and Ui" and the associated contact elements |220. and Mia. The stop may be formed of copper which is, soldered or 'brazed to the associated arm o1' Contact element. Preferably. the block .is 'oositioned in the line of travel of the associated terminal screw and permits a limited deection of the associated arm.

It is believed that the operation of the structure shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 is apparent from l the foregoing description. In installing the receptacle 31, the cover members (i5 and 19 are removed. and the base structure 39 is attached to the building wall or other structural element designed for its reception by means of the screws 55. The conduits Il'lland H9 then may be connected to the base structure, and the line and load conductors may be introduced therethrough into the respective vcompartments 6| and 59. Since the complete front of the base structure is open, the connections of the line and load conductors to the connector elements I2i and |23 and the circuit breakers |31 readily may be made.

After completion or the wiring operations, the upper cover member is applied to the base structure 39 and attached thereto by means of the machine screws l'l. The lower cover memlher 19 then may have its tongue 89 introduced beneath the adjacent edge of the upper cover member, and the cover member 'le may be pivoted into place on the hase structure 39 to permit the latch 9| to be moved beneath the lip 91 of the locking element 953.

Ii' the watthour meter is to be installed at a future date, a panel may he introduced in the groove it oi the upper wall l5@ forming part of rthe auxiliary cover lfd-i, and the auxiliary cover may be pivoted about its hinge to cover the contact elements. With the auxiliary cover in this position, a seal may be introduced through the opening M35 of the strap lili to secure the auxiliary cover in the closed position. If desired, strips of insulating material may be placed between the contacts i315 and It@ and between the contacts IEEE-l and itl to prevent the supply of electrical current therethrough.

If the watthour meter l is to be installed, the watthour meter is positioned with its terminal chamber in' position to receive the contact elements 12in, lio, lied, and 326e, and the `watthour meter is dropped into the position illustrated in Figs. i and 2. During this operation, the pin i is received in the keyhole slot 1 to assist in supporting the watthour meter. The screws 9 then may be applied to fasten the watthour meter l securely to the receptacle 31.

Preferably, all of the contact elements are formed of a shape-retaining material, such as hard drawn copper. When so constructed, the Contact elements always remain in proper alignment for reception in the female terminals 21, 29, 3| and 33 when the watthour meter I is dropped into mounted position.

To complete the connection. of the watthour meter I to the conductors contained in the receptacle 31, the terminal screws 35 are actuated into clamping condition. Such actuation of the terminal screws automatically results in 'a movement of the arms lill and |52 to separate the associated contacts E81 and m5, ISS. Therefore, current supplied from the conductors H3 and II5 to the load conductors ille and III must pass through the watthour meter windings.

The auxiliary cover m9 next is pivoted into the position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In this position, the auxiliary cover cooperates with the Watthour meter I and the receptacle to form a complete enclosure for the contact elements. As previously pointed out, a sea-ling element may be introduced through the opening 65 of the strap IGl to maintain the auxiliary cover in closed position. It will be observed further that the heads of the screws l and 11 are positioned within the enclosure completed by the auxiliary cover HB9, Consequently, sealing of the auxiliary cover prevents access to these screws.

It will be appreciated that a plurality of. receptacles similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 may be positioned in closely abutting sideby-side relationship to form a horizontal row of watthour meter receptacles. When so mountsiero-,M3

ed, adjacent walls1 of the base structures 38 may be omitted as Well, understood in theart. Alternatively, a plurality of; base structures. may be associated in vertical alignment to provide a vertical row of meter position-s. A modification illustrating such vertical alignment is illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a base structure 39a is disclosed which corresponds to the structure 3S of Figs.A l and 2. This base,` structure is provided with side Walls 2.61 and; 1h addition, an. intermediate partition Wall 29,5 provided for dividing the base structure. into. a line compartment 59a Iand a load. compartment Since the base structure 39a, is designed for a plurality of meter positions.. the` base` structure may be made of unitary construction for its full length.. End walls 29.? may; b o, provided at the extreme ends of the base structure and access. to the compartments thereof may be had by connecting a conduit 269. tov any of the. walls at any desired point. A base structure. of this general type is disclosed in the. copending. appli,- cation of Sparkes and Johansson,. Serial No. 374,658, iiled January 16, 1941.

The line compartment 39a is. provided With a plurality of cover members 65a, ao and 65o. The cover member 65a is substantially similar in construction to the cover member 5.5, of Figs. l and 2, except for the omission of the intermediate ilange 13. 5, it will be observed that the base structure 39o extends for the Eull length of the cover mem-ber 85a; The intermediate cover members 65h and 65e aresimilar to the cover member 55d.

except for the omission of the top flange 2li thereof. The cover members 65a, 65o and 65C may be attached to the base structure by means oi the screws 'il'. These screws may engage threaded brackets 2 |3- which are attached to. the

side Wall 25| and the partition wall 205' of' the structure.

Each of the cover members 65a, 65h and 65e is designed to receive a bottom connected watthour member in substantially the same manner as the cover member in Figs. 1 and 2. Only one of the watthour meters is illustrated in position on the cover member 65a in Figs. 4 and 5. The base struc-ture in Figs. 4 and 5 is provided with a separate insulation block 2I5 for each of the cover members 65a, 65h and B50. This insulation block corresponds to the insulation block |29' of Figs. 1 and 2 and carries connector elements 2H, 2|8, 22| and 223 which correspond respectively to the connector elements 12|, m, |25. and |26 of Figs. 1 to 3. The connector elementsof Figs. 4 and 5 are provided with, contact elements |2|a, |23a, |25@ and |260. which are exactly similar to the corresponding elements of Figs. 1 to 3. Moreover, each of the contact elements |23a and |2|al of Figs. 4 and 5. is associated with arms |9| and |92 and with contacts |83, |81, |85 and |189 in exactly the same manner as in Figs. 1 to 3. The insulation block 2|5 may be provided with threaded openings for receiving machine screws 225. These machine screws serve to attach the associated cover to the insulation block 2 I5 after the cover has been placed in position on the base structure.

Because, ofA the continuous open line compartment 58a. line buses ||3a and |I5a may be provided Which extend the full length of the base structure. These buses maybe supported. at

intervals on insulation blocks 221 which are alttached in any suitable manner to the rear wall Biy inspection of Figs. fr and i of the base structure. The connector elements 2H' and 2|9 may be connected directlyl to the respective line buses ||3a and |l5a by means of suitable machine screws. The'connector ele.-

ments 22| and 2-23 are connectedy respectively t0 conductors 229 and 23| which pass through. small openings in the partition Wall 2,05.v These conductors may be insulated or they' may pass throughV insulated bushings in the partition, wall 29.5. The conductors 2.29 and 23,1 are connected turn to; circuit breakers, |31. which. are.: Positionedt in the load compartment. Bla; Suitable load conductors i630/ and` |||a are connected. to the circuit breakers, and may be. directed through a knockout provided at any desired poi-nt in. the load compartment Gla.

By inspection. of Figs.. 4 and 5 it will bey observed'. that the entire load compartment, Bla; is

.provided with a single cover member 19a. This cover member has Windows.` Mla; to the operating handles |39foitl-1e circuit breakers |31 to. project therethrough.. The cover member may be attached to the base. structureat. suitable points loyY means. of machine screws: 2:33 which pass through thecover member into threaded engagement with brackets 235. attached to. the adjacent walls; or the base structure.. with. the construction illustrated Figs.I 4. and 5.. removal oiy the. single cover member 1901. exposes the en- 11i-re load compartment 61a.. This greatlyfacilitates. the installation of load conductors and service. equipment.

Eachv of the coverniembers, 65d,l 65o and 65e is. provided with a separate auxiliary @over |49 silni'la-r to the corresponding auxiliary cover o f Figs. 1 to 3. Since no watthollir meter isY positioned on the cover member 65o, the. asso.- ciated auxiliary' Cover tile is provi-.ded with apanel 23:1; which extends into. the cover groove |60, to close the opening in the upper wall of the aux. iliarv cover normally occupied loyf the watthour meter;v Witlithopanel 23,1 inplace,` the auxilio-.ry cover |548 may; be: 11i-Voted into closed position and sealed to. the; associated strap LH to pre.- vent: unauthorized access to the contact. elements enclosed'` thereby.. A, sea-1 23.9.- ot the type. commonlyV employed for watthour meter installationsl is shown. for the. cover.- member 65a: Qi Figs. 4 and 5.

Except-for the diiferenoes herein` speCi-cally pointed out, eachV of the watthonr: mete-rs l. employed fjorthe cover members; of. Fiss.. 4. and 5f is. associated with its. contact. elements in exactly the same/manner as in Figs 1a to 3.. Moreover, the construction of, the Contact. elements; 11n Fis-s 4 and 5', and of an auxiliary 4circoli-.lit connecting the line contact4 elementsto the Vload; Contact elements, is substantially the Same. as the Qonstruction. illustratedin Fig.. 3. For these; rela.- sons, it is believed thatI the operation. ot the structure illustrated in Figs. 4. and 52 is. apparent from the foregoing description.

By properly proportioning the male and female contact elements and teririilnals,y connections for the bottom connected metermay hel establishedand broken automatically. For example.. in Fig'. 6, a portion of a meter la, which corresponds; toV the meter l: of Figi l, is illustrated in asso ciation with the contact element the. The meter has a female terminal 21a. which corresponds. to the terminal 21: of Fig. I. The terminal 1hr is proportioned to. compress slight-lyY the; male contact element |2 :|a: when they latter is inserted therein in order to, move theA arm 1&2 automatically away from the Contact, |85. Because' of;

its resiliency the contact ila firmly engages the Walls of the female terminal Tx'la. When the female terminal 21a is removed from the contact l2la, the resiliency of the latter urges the contact i853 into engagement with the contact' l85.

Since the structure illustrated in Fig. 6 otherwise may be similar to that of Fig. l, an extended discussion thereof appears unnecessary.

' If desired all of the male cont-act elements and female terminals may be' similar to the Contact element l2la and the terminal 121m. Such construction facilitates full automatic engagement and release of the Contact elements and terminals.

Although the invention has been described with reference to lcertain specific embodiments thereof, numerous modifications are possible. Therefore, the invention is to be restricted only by the appended claims when interpreted in view of the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

yl. In an electrical assembly, a receptacle including a base member and a cover member, an electrical device having terminal means movable to a mounted position externally of said receptacle and removable as a unit relative thereto, electroconductive means positioned Within said receptacle, means connecting said terminal means to said electroconductive means, said connecting means including connector means extending through said cover member to engage said terminal means when said electrical device is in mounted position relative to said receptacle, auxiliary cover means completing an enclosure for said connector means when said electrical device is in mounted position, and means coacting with said auxiliary cover means to complete an enclosure for said connector means when said electrical device is removed from said mounted position.

2. In an electrical assembly, a receptacle including a base member and a cover member, an electrical device having female terminal means movable to a mounted position externally of said receptacle and removable as a unit relative thereto, electroconductive means positioned Within said receptacle, means connecting said female terminal means to said electroco-nductive means, said connecting means including male connector means extending through said cover member for reception in said female terminal means When said electrical device is in mounted position relative to said receptacle, auxiliary cover means completing an enclosure for said connector means when said electrical device is in mounted position, means coacting with said auxiliary cover means to complete an enclosure for said connector means when said electrical device is removed from said mounted position, and means `fastening said auxiliary cover means to said receptacle for impeding unauthorized opening thereof.

3. In a structure for mounting an electrical meter of the type having a row of screw-operated terminals for receiving line and load connections,

a receptacle including a base member Iand a cover element forming an enclosure for the portions of said connector members extending through said cover member including said contact elements, means hinging said auxiliary cover element on said cover member for movement from a first position enclosing said contact elements to a second position exposing said contact elements for reception in the terminals of a meter, said auxiliary cover element having portions configured to cooperate with a meter when a meter is in mounted position relative to said receptacle to prevent access to said connector members.

4. In an electrical assembly, a male contact elementy an electrical device having a female terminal proportioned to receive therein said male contact element, said electrical device having releasable clamping means operable for urging the female terminal into iirrn engagement with said male contact element when said male Contact element is positioned in said female terminals, said male contact element comprising switch means, and means responsive to operation of said clamping means for actuating said switch means.

5. In an electrical assembly, a male contact element, an electrical device having a female terminal proportioned to receive therein said male contact element, said electrical device having releasable clamping means operable for urging the female terminal into firm engagement with said male Contact element when said male `contact element is positioned in said female terminals, said male contact element comprising an actuating member extending into said female terminal, said actuating member being yieldably positioned in the path of operation of said clamping means for movement in response to operation of said clamping means, and switch `means responsive to said movement of said actuating member.

6. In an electrical assembly, a male contact element, an electrical device having a female terminal proportioned to receive therein said male Contact element, said electrical device having releasable clamping means operable for urging the female terminal into firm engagement with said male contact element when said male contact element is positioned in said female terminals, said male contact element comprising a resilient electroconductive member having a folded substantially U-shape proportioned for insertion into said female terminal to be clamped therein by said clamping meansy said electroconductive member having its ends positioned for relative movement in response to operation of said clamping means, and switch means respo-nsive to relative movement of said ends.

7. In an electrical assembly, an electrical device having a female terminal, a mounting unit for said electrical device, said mounting unit having a male contact element comprising portions movable with respect to each other, said portions being resiliently biased in engagement with the interior surface of said female terminal, the bias of said portions operating to produce relative movement therebetween when said female terminal and said contact element are separated, and switch means responsive to the movement between said portions for controlling a circuit normally connected to said device.

8. In an electrical metering assembly; an electrical meter having screw-operated female line and load terminals; and means for selectively transmitting current to a load either through laway from said electroconductive means in response to actuation of the associated terminal screw into position for clamping the associated contact element.

9. In an electrical metering assembly; an electrical meter having screw-operated female line and load terminals; and means for'selectively transmitting current to a load either through said, `electrical meter or through a bypass cir- ,cuit, said means including a male -line contact element and a male load contact element positioned for reception in said line and load female terminals, electroconductive means extending between said contact elements for bypassing current away from said electrical meter, one of said contact elements comprising a resilient, electroconductive U-shaped member having a rst arm .biased towards said electroconductive means and engaged with said electroconductive means when the associated terminal screw is in retracted condition, said arm being disposed for movement away from said electroconductive means in response to actuation of the associated terminal screw into position for clamping the associated contact element, said U-shaped member having a second arm, and stop means positioned between said arms adjacent the associated terminal screw for controlling the degree of relative movement therebetween as said terminal screw is actuated.

10. In an electrical metering assembly, an electrical meter having female load and line terminals designed for reception of male contact elements extending parallel to the base of the meter; and mounting means for said electrical meter, said mounting means comprising a receptacle having a base member and a cover member, conductive means positioned in said receptacle, a plurality of male contact elements extending through said cover member for connecting said electrical meter to said conductive means, said contact elements having portions extending parallel to the plane of said cover member for recep'- tion in said female terminals, means for securing said electrical meter in mounted position on the outer side of said cover member, said cover member having an opening permitting complete passage of said contact elements therethrough when said cover member is attached to or removed from said base member, and means coacting with said cover member and said electrical meter for enclosing said contact elements.

l1. In an electrical metering assembly, a bottom-connected electrical meter having female load and line terminals designed for the reception of contact elements extending parallel to the base of the meter, and having a housing for said terminals; and mounting means for said electrical meter comprising a receptacle having a base member and a cover member, means se curing said electrical meter in mounted position on the outer side of" said cover member, a plurality of` male contact elements passing through said cover member and positioned Afor reception in said female terminals, and a single auxiliary ,cover extending completely over said: male coneach closed by said cover structure, first conductor means positioned in a rst one of said compartments, second conductor means positioned in a second one of said compartments, said iirst compartment being substantially inaccessible from said second compartment, an auxiliary housing positioned on said cover structure, an electrical device associated with said auxiliary housing, connector elements extending from each of said conductor means through said cover structure into said auxiliary housing for connecting said electrical device to both of said conductor means, and circuit control means positioned in said second compartment `for connection to said second conductor means.

13. In an electrical metering assembly; a receptacle including a basev structure, a partition dividing said base structure into a pair of, compartments, and a cover structure comprising a substantially separate cover member for each of said compartments; line conductor means positioned in a rst one of said compartments, load conductor means positioned in a second one of said compartments, said first compartment being substantially inaccessible from said second compartment, a bottom-connected electrical meter positioned on the cover member for said first compartment, said electrical meter having a plurality of line and load female terminals, connector elements extending from each of said conductor means through said cover structure, said connector elements having male contact elements positioned for reception in the line andv load female terminals of said electrical meter, auxiliary cover means cooperating with said electrical meter for enclosing the portions of said connector elements projecting through said cover structure, and circuit interrupting means positioned in said second compartment for controlling the supply of load current by said load conductorvrneans.

14. In an electrical metering assembly; a, receptacle including a base structure, a partition dividing said base structure into first and second compartments, and a cover structure comprising a substantially separate cover member for each of said compartments; line conductor means positioned in said rst compartment, load conductor means positioned in said second compartment, said first compartment being substantially inaccessible from said second compartment; a bottom-connected meter positioned on the cover member for said first compartment, said electrical meter having a plurality of line and load terminals, and having releasable clamping means associated therewith operable for clamping contact elements to said terminals when said meter is in mounted position relative to said cover member; and means for connecting said load conductor means to said line conductor means selectively through either said electrical meter or through a bypass circuit independent of said electrical meter, said connecting means comprising connector elements extending from each of said conductor means through said cover struccuit including an electrical switch, and means responsive to a clamping operation of said clamping means for opening said electrical switch to render said bypass circuit ineffective.

15. In an electrical metering assembly, a receptacle including a base structure, a partition dividing said base structure into first and second compartments, and a cover structure comprising a substantially separate cover member for each of said compartments; line conductor means positioned in said iii-st compartment, load conductor means position in said second compartment, said rst compartment being substantially inaccessible from said second compartment, a bottom-connected meter positicned on the cover member for said first compartment, said electrical meter having a plurality of line and load female terminals, and having clamping means associated therewith for clamping contact elements to said terminals; and means for connecting said load conductor means to said line conductor means selectively through either said electrical meter or through a bypass circuit independent of said electrical meter, said connecting means comprising connector elements extending from each of said conductor means through said cover structure, said connector elements having male contact elements positioned for engagement with said line and load female terminals to establisha circuit connecting said line conductor means and said load conductor means through said electrical meter, a bypass circuit connecting said line conductor means to said load conductor means independeritly of said electrical meter, said bypass circuit including an electrical switch, an auxiliary cover cooperating with said electrical meter for establishing a protective enclosure for the portion of said connector elements projecting through said cover structura'means securing said auxiliary cover to the cover member for said rst compartment, circuit interrupting means positioned in said second compartment for controlling' the supply of load currentby said load conductor means, and means responsive to a clamping operation of said clamping means for opening said electrical switch to render said bypass circuit ineffective.

l5. In an electrical metering assembly; a receptacle including a base structure, a partition dividing said base structure into rst and second compartments, and a cover structure comprising a substantially separate cover member for each of said compartments; line conductor means positioned in said first compartment, load conductor means positioned in said second compartment, said first compartment being substantially inaccessible from said second compartment; a bottom-connected meter positioned on the cover member for said iirst compartment, said electrical meter having a plurality of line and load terminals; and means for connecting said load conductor means to said line conductor means through said electrical meter, said connecting means comprising connector elements extending from each of said conductor means through said cover structure, said connector elements having contact elements permanently positioned for engagement with said line and load terminals to establish a circuit connecting said line conductor means and said load conductor means through said electrical meter, and insulating means secured to said partition for guiding said connector elements through said cover structure and for properly positioning said connector elements and contact elements.

i7. In a mounting unit for receiving an electrical device of the type having female terminal elements, a supporting structure, a plurality of male contact elements positioned on said supporting structure, and circuit connection means extending between certain of said male contact elements for establishing circuit connections therebetween, said circuit connection means including means responsive to constriction of one of said male Contact elements for interrupting said circuit connections, whereby when said one or said male contact elements is constricted in one of said female terminal elements said circuit connections are interrupted.

ERNEST Gr. JOHANSSON. 

